Obtaining Harris County Appraisal District Evidence to Prepare for Your Property Tax Appeal
prepared and presented by O'Connor & Associates
Harris County Appraisal District hearings require preparation and obtaining data is the largest challenge many real estate owners face. Fortunately, the Texas Legislature requires the Harris County Appraisal District to provide you their evidence 14 days before the hearing. However, there is one catch. They do not have to provide the information unless you request it.
Few property owners are aware they can obtain the Harris County Appraisal District evidence 14 days before the hearing. Even fewer request the evidence. Very few are aware that Harris County Appraisal District may not use any information not provided 14 days before the hearing, if you requested they provide it.
Requesting Harris County Appraisal District's data is important for the following reasons:
- It provides you with a volume of information at a nominal cost
- Their evidence sometimes supports a reduction in your assessed value
- Harris County Appraisal District is prohibited by law from presenting evidence (at the ARB hearing) not provided to you 14 days before the hearing.
O'Connor & Associates suggests you send Harris County Appraisal District a written request for their evidence when you send your property tax protest.
The sections of the Texas Property Tax Code which address this issue are 41.461 (a) (2) and 41.67 (d). They are summarized below:
41.461 (a) (2) At least 14 days before the hearing on a protest, the chief appraiser shall inform the property owner that the owner or the agent of the owner may inspect and may obtain a copy of the data, schedule, formulas and all other information the chief appraiser plans to introduce at the hearing…
41.67 (d) Information that was previously requested under Section 41.461 by the protesting party that was not made available to the protesting party at least 14 days before the scheduled or postponed hearing may not be used as evidence in the hearing. Collectively, these sections are clear. If you ask the Harris County Appraisal District to provide their evidence, they may not use any evidence not made available 14 days before the hearing.
Some of the Harris County Appraisal District evidence is usually helpful for the property owner. Since Harris County Appraisal District attempts to value property at 100% of market value, there are usually some sales, which support a lower value. Harris County Appraisal District typically includes an unequal appraisal analysis for each property. These are computer generated and in many cases support a lower assessed value. Correcting this type of error can reduce your property tax assessment for many years.
Request the Harris County Appraisal District evidence when you file your property tax protest. The cost is nominal and it will help you prepare for your hearing!
Property Tax Tip #1: Appealing Property Taxes for Your Home
Property Tax Tip #2: Preparing for Your Property Tax Hearing
Sample House Bill 201 letter
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